_29th._ We continued on the same encampment, five miles from Defiance, and forty-five from Fort Wayne. The spies and horse troop were sent out in order to make discoveries. A party took the back track; they saw where the enemy had wheeled to the right about, and retreated; and fortunately for them they did so. Our industry in fortifying the camp with breastworks, and caution and vigilance with which it was guarded, would have rendered us able to have maintained our ground against a superior force. Wagon tracks were plainly to be seen--it was thought they were going to Fort Wayne with cannon, to take that place. _30th._ We marched within one mile of Fort Defiance, and searched for a suitable place to encamp on: after every examination it was thought best to continue here, as it was a convenient place for timber. We pitched our tents and built very strong breastworks round the camp, which we had done for five or six nights past; we also slept with our guns in our arms, and paraded an hour before day, and stood under arms till nearly sunrise. From Fort Wayne to Defiance, we travelled on the north-west side of the Maumee River. The country is extremely level and well timbered, but badly watered. _Oct. 1._ Col. Lewis, with a detachment of three hundred and eighty men, started early this morning to pursue the Indians and British; they crossed the Auglaze River, and proceeded down the Maumee seven or eight miles, but could see nothing more than the appearance of the enemy retreating. _2d._ Gen. Harrison arrived here with about one hundred mounted troops, and two days’ rations of flour. We have been without bread four days. We were informed Gen. Harrison was appointed commander-in-chief of the North-Western Army; this was pleasing news to their troops, as he was the choice in preference to any other. _3d._ The troops that were with Gen. Harrison, consisting of mounted riflemen and cavalry, three regiments, came to camp this morning from St. Mary’s, which is 63 miles from Defiance. They came with speed, to assist the troops commanded by Gen. Winchester. Gen. Harrison had received information that all the British and Indian forces of Upper Canada were on their way to meet Gen. Winchester at Defiance. _4th._ There has been great murmuring in camp, on account of the scarcity of provisions, which threatened a dissolution of this army. Gen. Harrison having paraded the army, addressed them and said, there were twenty-five thousand rations provided for this army at St. Mary’s; this should be conveyed here as soon as possible, part of which would be here to-day; he stated the consequence of such mutinous complaints, and if this army would disperse, where could he get men who would stand? He said every exertion for the supply of this army with provisions and clothing, should be used. He informed us there would be a number of troops from Pennsylvania and Virginia to join us, amounting in all to ten thousand.